Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Denver, CO

You will be asked to arrive at the endoscopy center in Denver, CO 1 – 1.5 hours before your evaluation. This time will be used to complete patient forms and prepare for the test. You will be asked to put on a medical gown. Our clinical team will place an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to allow sedation to be given. We will also connect you to equipment that will allow the physician and our team to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, oxygen, breathing, and electrocardiogram levels during and after the ERCP.

Once in the exam room at Colorado Gastroenterology, you will then position yourself on your stomach on the table. The IV sedation will be given. Small amounts are provided at a time to help make certain that you do not have any reaction to the medication and to administer only the dosage you require individually. When compared to other endoscopic assessments, it is not uncommon for general anesthesia to be administered for an ERCP exam. When a sufficient sedation status is reached, the endoscope device will be inserted into the mouth. The scope will be slowly moved through the esophagus and down into the stomach, and small intestine to the area where the pancreatic duct and bile duct empties into the small bowel. A small amount of air is injected through the scope into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to enhance visibility. During an ERCP exam, radiographic contrast dye is introduced into the bile and pancreatic ducts. An x-ray imaging machine is utilized to capture clear images of these structures to detect whether there are any abnormalities or irregularities. The remaining liquid in the upper gastrointestinal structures can be eliminated through the endoscope. Depending on exam findings, a number of things may be done during the course of the procedure, such as biopsies, opening the bile duct or pancreatic duct (sphincterotomy), removal of stones from the pancreatic ducts or gallstones from the bile ducts, or the placement of stents (plastic/metal tubes) into the bile or pancreatic ducts. When the procedure is complete, as much of the air and residual fluid as possible will be extracted through the endoscope device. On average, the evaluation takes around 30 – 90 minutes to complete based on the findings.

After the test is finished, you will be escorted to the recovery room to be monitored while the sedation medication begins to wane. The portion of sedation used during the exam and the patient’s response to the medication will dictate how quickly the patient wakes up, though most patients are awake enough for discharge within 45-60 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive for the rest of the day; therefore, you will need to arrange for a ride home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign important papers, or perform strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Most patients can eat and drink normally after discharge from the endoscopy unit, however, specific instructions regarding activity, eating, and medications will be given to the patient before discharge. Occasionally, patients will need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring.

After the exam in our Denver, CO office, the doctor and/or nurse will go over the findings of the procedure with you. Most patients will not remember what they are told after the exam because of the effects of the sedation. It is recommended, if possible, to bring someone with you to whom the results can also be discussed. You will also go home with a typed report and be informed of any biopsy results usually within one week. Contact our GI specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule an appointment today.